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Home • Celebrity

Brittney Griner's Detention In Russia Extended Until May 2022

In February, the WNBA player was arrested near Moscow after vape cartridges containing hashish oil were found in her luggage.
Britney Griner's Detention In Russia Extended Until May 2022
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 30: Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury warms up before Game Two of the 2021 WNBA Playoffs semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on September 30, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Mercury defeated the Aces 117-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
By Brooklyn White · Updated March 17, 2022

After appearing in court near Moscow earlier today, it has been determined that basketball star Brittney Griner will remain detained until May 19, 2022. This news was revealed by the state-owned news agency TASS, the same platform that uncovered her identity ahead of the New York Times breaking the initial story of her arrest.

On February 17, Griner, a center for the Phoenix Mercury, was arrested at an airport close to Moscow after vape cartridges containing hashish oil were discovered in her luggage. Hashish oil is derived from cannabis. Griner’s story continues to gain traction internationally as Russia wages war against Ukraine.

WNBA star Brittney Griner appeared in Moscow court today, where she reportedly pleaded not guilty to drug charges.

The court has extended her detention for another two months, per @tass_agency.

(🎥: @mash_breaking)pic.twitter.com/gLo3R9YFDP

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 17, 2022

“The court granted the petition of the investigation and extended the term of U.S. citizen Griner’s detention until May 19,” TASS quoted the court as saying.

The above clip marks the first time footage of Griner has been seen since her arrest. Her mugshot, taken in February, was the only image the public was previously privy to.

Ahead of today, prosecutors had asked that she be held for the two additional months while the investigation continues. Griner’s lawyer had asked that the basketball player be given house arrest instead.

A criminal case into the wide-reaching transport of drugs has been opened. The maximum sentence for being charged with transporting drugs is 10 years.

Tom Firestone, a former U.S. Justice Department legal resident advisor to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, divulged to ESPN that extended detentions in Russia are not uncommon. Some extreme cases can lead to a year in jail before the trial begins.

Brittney Griner’s Detention In Russia Extended Until May 2022
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 10: Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury durring pregame warmups at Footprint Center on October 10, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Mattina/Getty Images)

Since the news of Griner’s arrest became public, her wife, Cherelle, has issued a public statement. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me regarding my wife’s safe return from Russia,” her Instagram post read. “Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. I love my wife wholeheartedly, so this message comes during one of the weakest moments of my life.”

According to NPR, Ekaterina Kalugina, a member of Public Monitoring Commission, told TASS that Griner was sharing a cell with two other women.

Aside from initial remarks acknowledging Griner’s arrest and their work toward her release, Griner’s team has opted not to speak with the public at this time.

TOPICS:  breaking news